BioResources

Featured Editorials

• Editorialpp 5214–5217Zhang, J., and Chen, S. (2025). "Hemicellulose-derived xylan and its nanocrystal as novel polysaccharides to tune micro-phase separated block copolymers for advanced applications," BioResources 20(3), 5214–5217.AbstractArticlePDF

  Self-assembled block copolymers (BCPs) with micro-phase separated structures have attracted attention due to their potential applications as lithography material in the semiconductor industry and a soft template in the design of precisely ordered pore materials. The primary questions to be addressed include whether forestry bio-material xylan makes it possible to tune micro-phase separation window of BCP along with high Flory-Huggins’s parameter BCP design. Additionally, xylan nanocrystals (XNCs) have potential to further tune micro-phase separation of BCP due to their unique rod- or platelet-like shape and high crystallization. The follow-up question to be addressed is how to design XNC-BCP hybrid nanocomposites with ordered nanostructure that work as a soft template to establish precisely organized pores in energy-material applications. The studies of xylan and XNC tailoring micro-phase separation of BCP open an avenue for its advanced applications.

• Editorialpp 5218–5221Fiskari, J., Henriksson, G., Swerin, A., Carlsson-Kvarnlöf, G., Sjöstrand, B., and Germgård, U. (2025). "After decades of extensive research, is kraft lignin valorization still up in the air? – Obstacles, opportunities, and myths," BioResources 20(3), 5218–5221.AbstractArticlePDF

  In the past decades, substantial research efforts have been directed towards increasing the availability of renewable and recycled raw materials. Lignin, one of the most abundant natural polymers, constitutes a vast, renewable, and largely untapped source of aromatic structures. In addition, it is one of the most abundant renewable sources of carbon. Despite the countless research projects aimed at valorizing kraft lignin, the largest source of industrial lignin, relatively few commercial kraft lignin products have emerged. Simultaneously, lignosulfonates represent a commercially successful range of products with a steady and growing global market. This paper reviews the current outlook of technical lignin research, including common misunderstandings, and discusses various factors that have hampered the use of lignin as a renewable source of materials and chemicals.

• Editorialpp 5222–5225Luo, T. Y., and Jiang, X. C. (2025). "Development of educational tourism based on Guangxi’s traditional papermaking techniques," BioResources 20(3), 5222–5225.AbstractArticlePDF

  This editorial piece examines the integration of Guangxi’s traditional papermaking techniques with educational tourism, demonstrating the potential to combine cultural preservation and modern tourism development. Through data analysis, it highlights the increasing interest in cultural tourism and educational experiences, proposing practical strategies such as interactive program design, cultural integration, industry chain extension, and digital promotion. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of policy support and infrastructure improvement to enhance the visitor experience. Guangxi’s papermaking educational tourism serves as a model for successfully merging intangible cultural heritage with tourism, contributing to cultural sustainability and local economic growth.

• Editorialpp 5226–5229Stanciu, M.-C., and Teacă, C.-A. (2025). "Wood - An inestimable valuable good in the traditional Romanian household," BioResources 20(3), 5226–5229.AbstractArticlePDF

  Objects made of wood form one of the most important chapters of the heritage of civilization, culture, and traditional popular art of woodcraft among the Romanian people, encompassing creations that continue to develop this millennia-old legacy. Popular art in wood is, undoubtedly, an organic art. It is deeply connected to work and life in which various objects seamlessly blend utility with beauty in the most natural way possible, fully addressing this dual necessity. Wood art is not just a craft of shapes and motifs; it reveals, in specific stylistic structures, a genuine thought and conception of the world and life.

• Editorialpp 5230–5233Hang, C. (2025). "The market value of Chinese root carving art: A study of cross-border E-commerce in ASEAN," BioResources 20(3), 5230–5233.AbstractArticlePDF

  Chinese root carving art, a traditional craftsmanship form, carries profound cultural significance and high artistic value. In the era of globalization and technological advancement, the market for Chinese root carving art has expanded significantly, particularly with the rise of cross-border e-commerce. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) presents an intriguing market for such art due to its diverse cultural landscape and growing interest in traditional crafts. This editorial examines the market value of Chinese root carving art in ASEAN countries, focusing on how cross-border e-commerce can facilitate its international dissemination and commercialization. By analyzing the unique appeal of root carving, the cultural context of ASEAN, and the advantages and challenges of cross-border e-commerce, this editorial aims to provide insights and strategies for promoting the internationalization of Chinese root carving art.

• Editorialpp 5234–5237Wang, Y. (2025). "Traditional craft conservation and technological innovation of Xuan paper: An exploration applicable to Chinese mixed-materials art," BioResources 20(3), 5234–5237.AbstractArticlePDF

  Xuan paper, an essential treasure of Chinese culture, has long been the heart of calligraphy and ink painting. This paper delves into the delicate balance between preserving the traditional craft of Xuan paper and embracing the innovation of modern technology, highlighting how these advancements have transformed its production process and expanded its role in contemporary mixed-media art. The traditional methods, rooted in skilled craftsmanship and natural materials, have served as the foundation for a material that can withstand centuries of artistic expression. With the rise of modern machinery and digital printing techniques, Xuan paper has evolved to meet the demands of today’s artists, offering enhanced durability and consistency while maintaining its unique texture. The fusion of old and new not only revitalizes this ancient art form but opens new avenues in contemporary art, where Xuan paper is now integrated with diverse materials and techniques. This editorial explores how technological innovations breathe new life into Xuan paper, providing artists with fresh tools for creative expression, while ensuring that its cultural heritage remains intact. Ultimately, this exploration aims to chart a course for the sustainable future of Xuan paper, making it relevant for both traditional and modern art forms.

• Editorialpp 5238–5241Ma, Y., Liu, Y., Mo, Y., Li, Y., and Zhang , J. (2025). "Study on development of restoration and digital display of paper artifacts," BioResources 20(3), 5238–5241.AbstractArticlePDF

  Paper artifacts are important carriers of history and culture. As they age and are affected by environmental factors, their protection and restoration become increasingly important. This paper discusses the restoration techniques for paper artifacts, including cleaning, acid removal, strengthening, and surface protection. It also considers the application of digital technologies in artifact restoration. Digital scanning, virtual restoration, and digital display provide new solutions for artifact restoration, effectively protecting artifacts from further damage, enhancing accessibility, and promoting academic research and education. Although digital display faces challenges such as technological limitations, storage, and copyright issues, with technological advancements, the restoration and display of paper artifacts will see more innovations. The protection and transmission of paper artifacts have become an important task in global cultural heritage preservation.

• Editorialpp 5242–5245Hubbe, M. A., and Lucia, L. A. (2025). "The ethics of sustainability," BioResources 20(3), 5242–5245.AbstractArticlePDF

  Sustainability ethics is a relevant topic as we humans become more focused on the implications of “going green.” We all need to think about what sustainability means and the extent to which we need to change our individual behaviors so that its goals can be met. This editorial will explore the idea of how our ego plays a role in defining sustainable behavior and ways in which a breadth of ethical constructs can guide our thinking on what is right and what is wrong. All of us cannot give up meat or avoid flying, but all of us can engage in healthy dialogue to determine how we all can subscribe to the principles of sustainability in ethical ways, as governed by our understandings and feelings. Ultimately, we recognize ethical behavior as an ecosystem of social, environmental, and intellectual parameters which affect not only humans, but also the non-humans around us.

• Editorialpp 2459–2463Azuaje, I., Gonzalez, R., Ekvall, T., Gaudreault, C., Dessbesell, L., Tu, Q., and Lizundia, E. (2025). "Global discussion on life cycle assessment allocation methods for recycled fibers," BioResources 20(2), 2459–2463.AbstractArticlePDF

  On September 3^rd, 2024, North Carolina State University, the University of British Columbia, Aalto University, the University of Chile, and the University of the Basque Country organized a global webinar on allocation methods for recycled fibers. The event focused on the challenges and complexities associated with allocation methods for open-loop recycling systems, focusing on bio-based fibers for packaging. The webinar featured three expert presentations by Dr. Tomas Ekvall, Dr. Caroline Gaudreault, and MSc. Ivana Azuaje, each offering valuable insights into the topic.

• Editorialpp 2464–2467Kitaoka, T. (2025). "Nanocellulose targets regenerative medicine," BioResources 20(2), 2464–2467.AbstractArticlePDF

  The term “nanocellulose” encompasses a wide range of cellulose-derived nanomaterials, which are characterized by their diverse morphologies and chemical structures at the nanometer scale. In recent years, there has been a remarkable increase in the use of nanocellulose in regenerative medicine. Of particular interest is the in vitro culture of pluripotent stem cells, which has led to a growing demand for animal-free media and scaffolds in stem cell culture. Extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a pivotal role in regulating the proliferation and differentiation of stem cells, with fibrous collagen and glycosaminoglycans serving as structural and functional supports. In this context, nanocellulose has garnered significant interest as potential ECM mimetics, due to its rigid fiber form and its regular interfacial structures. The use of natural polysaccharide nanofibers would represent a promising avenue for the functional design of animal-free cell culture scaffolds, with the potential to significantly advance the regulation of stem cell culture in regenerative medicine.

• Editorialpp 2468–2471Rus, N., Lucherini, A., Jomaas, G., and Derikvand, M. (2025). "Fire safety of timber buildings – The case of photovoltaic systems," BioResources 20(2), 2468–2471.AbstractArticlePDF

  Photovoltaic (PV) systems play an important role in reducing society’s dependence on carbon-based energy sources, and their coupling with timber buildings is an interesting and expected solution for meeting sustainability requirements in the modern built environment. However, both PV systems and timber structures have unique fire safety challenges, and their combination may introduce additional risks. Therefore, relevant fire hazards associated with each of the technologies and their pairing are discussed. The findings highlight the importance of revising fire testing standards and developing tailored safety measures to identify and manage these risks.

• Editorialpp 2472–2475Fernández-Sosa, E. I., Ehman, N., and Area, M. C. (2025). "Boosting the integrated use of sawmill wastes: Tannin-based extractives opportunities," BioResources 20(2), 2472–2475.AbstractArticlePDF

  In the lignocellulosic biorefinery concept, by-products from sawmills have been redefined and considered as raw materials to produce high-value products. Wood extractives are not an exception despite being found in smaller proportions. The extractive-based components can offer competitive advantages over traditional market products and promote a circular economy. Tannins demonstrate applicability in adhesives, fertilizers, antioxidant food packaging, and water treatment. However, there are still challenges on an industrial scale.

• Editorialpp 2476–2479Ghahri, S., Yang, L., Du, G., and Park, B.-D. (2025). "Transition from formaldehyde-based wood adhesives to bio-based alternatives," BioResources 20(2), 2476–2479.AbstractArticlePDF

  Bio-based wood adhesives are increasingly receiving greater attention than those of synthetic formaldehyde-based adhesives from petroleum sources in response to climate change. In this respect, this editorial provides an overview on the transition of formaldehyde-based adhesives to bio-based adhesives for the bonding of wood. This transition is underway in academia and industry for practical applications. Bio-based adhesives offer low toxicity, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and increased sustainability with circular economy by promoting renewable and degradable sources, which generates a driving force for the transition.

• Editorialpp 2480–2482Zhu, S., Zhang, S., Xv, Z., and Zhu, S. (2025). "Phytochemical extraction to improve the economic benefits of biomass processing," BioResources 20(2), 2480–2482.AbstractArticlePDF

  Phytochemicals are non-nutritive plant components having bioactive activities. Compared with synthetic chemicals, phytochemicals have numerous advantages, and they are now widely used in health foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Phytochemicals also provide a rich natural resource pool for new health food and medicine development. Because of their wide uses, phytochemicals have high economic value for their development and utilization. Phytochemicals are present in a vast number of plants, and their production has a wide range of feedstock sources. In traditional biomass processing, phytochemicals are often considered as wastes and are not recovered. In order to improve the economic benefits, the extraction of phytochemicals has now become an attractive sub-process during the biomass processing. However, the low content of phytochemicals in plants makes their extraction challenging. Efforts are needed to increase the phytochemical content in plants and develop more efficient extraction and separation processes. This editorial briefly discusses phytochemicals and their extraction to improve the economic benefits of biomass processing.

• Editorialpp 2483–2486Garbowski, T. (2025). "Exploring the future of novel flute shapes and their mechanical benefits," BioResources 20(2), 2483–2486.AbstractArticlePDF

  Corrugated board is a ubiquitous material, playing a critical role in modern packaging, transportation, and storage industries. While traditional flute shapes like sinusoidal waves dominate production, exploring and implementing novel fluting geometries could significantly enhance the mechanical properties of this material. This editorial discusses the theoretical future of various flute shapes and their potential to improve mechanical performances, such as bending stiffness and load-bearing capacity. Embracing innovative design and production techniques could lead to more sustainable and high-performing usages for corrugated cardboard for diverse applications.

• Editorialpp 2487–2490Jiang, X. C., and Luo, T. Y. (2025). "Exploring the convergence of tradition and modernity: The educational tourism potential of Suzhou oil-paper umbrella craftsmanship," BioResources 20(2), 2487–2490.AbstractArticlePDF

  Suzhou oil-paper umbrellas, as a significant part of China’s intangible cultural heritage, exemplify the harmonious integration of nature and art through their intricate craftsmanship. These umbrellas are not only functional objects but also cultural symbols, reflecting centuries of traditional skills in bamboo frame making and oil-paper production. However, the preservation of these techniques faces critical challenges, including an aging artisan population, a lack of successors, and insufficient integration of local industries with cultural heritage protection efforts. The current approaches to safeguarding these crafts often focus on superficial aspects, neglecting the core techniques of bamboo processing and paper-making. This editorial considers the cultural value of Suzhou oil-paper umbrella craftsmanship, identifies the challenges in its preservation, and explores revitalization strategies through educational tourism. The research employs a comprehensive analysis of the cultural significance, current preservation efforts, and potential for sustainable development. The main contribution of this study lies in highlighting the potential of educational tourism as a vehicle for cultural heritage conservation and local economic development, providing a framework for the sustainable revitalization of this unique traditional craft.

• Editorialpp 1-3Shen, J. (2025). "Pulp and Paper: Reflections on faculty and research careers and the journey with BioResources," BioResources 20(1), 1–3.AbstractArticlePDF

  With over 20 years in pulp and paper, my career has been shaped by foundational research and teaching as well as by BioResources, a journal that has significantly supported my work. This editorial reflects on key stages in my academic journey and the pivotal role BioResources has played in advancing my research and connecting the global pulp and paper community.

• Editorialpp 4-6Burke, C., Lucia, L., Shaw, M., Panek, J., Brogdon, B., and Paulsen, F. (2025). “'A Man for All Seasons': The genius of Peter W. Hart to bridge industry and academia," BioResources 20(1), 4–6.AbstractArticlePDF

  As research scientists go, few rival the volume of work that Dr. Peter Hart produced. His career reflects his willingness to guide budding pulp & paper scientists when he was the Director of Fiber Technology and Innovation at WestRock, as well as an adjunct professor in the Department of Forest Biomaterials at North Carolina State University. He brought his wealth of knowledge to those working in industry and academia; a rarity for anyone with his acumen. His support to graduate research reflects the quality of the publications of researchers such as Dr. Ricardo Santos and Dr. Juliana Jardim; both of whom tackled challenging subjects related to lignin degradation kinetics in kraft pulping and lignin precipitation from kraft black liquor, respectively. In his last academic project, Dr. Hart invested his remaining life to support PhD work to study how lignin-carbohydrate complexes influence lignin precipitation from kraft black liquor. Dr. Hart provided opportunities for young scientists to achieve their goals and provided them with a safe space to learn within research.

• Editorialpp 7–10Zhang, J. (2025). "Barrier molded fiber products based on recovery and up-cycling of paper and agricultural wastes via a Pickering emulsion approach," BioResources 20(1), 7–10.AbstractArticlePDF

  To reduce plastic pollution, it is of interest to develop biodegradable molded fiber products from recovered cellulose-containing residues as an alternative to single-use plastics. Primary questions to be addressed include how to compound molded fiber products from the recycling of paper or cardboard and agricultural residual wastes via combined vacuum thermo-forming and post-drying or synergistic cold and hot press approaches. In addition, consumers will have high expectations regarding barriers for moisture and grease. It is proposed here to produce uniform barrier molded fiber products via a Pickering emulsion approach with chemically recycled waxes from thermolysis of waste polyolefins. It is further proposed to develop a closed-loop process for recyclable molded products and up-cycling lignocellulosic fibers reinforced biomass-derivable vitrimer bio-composites for sustainable packaging. The development of molded fiber products makes it possible to mitigate the usage of single-use plastics.

• Editorialpp 11–14Mendieta, C. M., Kruyeniski, J., Vallejos, M. E., and Area, M. C. (2025). "Is it possible to produce sustainable aviation fuels from lignocellulosic biomass waste?," BioResources 20(1), 11–14.AbstractArticlePDF

  Sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) are alternatives to fossil fuels produced from biological or non-fossil feedstocks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In the alcohol-to-jet (ATJ) route, alcohol (ethanol, isobutanol, or butanol) dehydration is the key conversion step to create long-chain hydrocarbons. In this context, this Editorial deals with the ethanol-to-ethylene-to-jet route (EEJ) technology and challenges for producing SAF from lignocellulosic biomass waste (LCBW).

• Editorialpp 15–16Davim, J. P. (2025). "Perceptions of Industry 5.0: Sustainability Perspective," BioResources 20(1), 15–16.AbstractArticlePDF

  Today, Industry 5.0 can be regarded as the latest stage of industrial revolution, where collaboration between humans and smart technologies reaches a new level. This editorial presents insights into Industry 5.0. It explains the concept of Industry 5.0 according to the latest developments, in its three fundamental pillars: human-centric, sustainable, and resilient. Finally, it discusses how Industry 5.0 can contribute to sustainability.

• Editorialpp 17-20Derikvand, M. (2025). "Project-based learning in timber engineering education: A recent example," BioResources 20(1), 17–20.AbstractArticlePDF

  This opinion paper advocates for project-based learning (PBL) and teaching as a way of preserving active learning in timber engineering education. A recent example of using PBL in a timber engineering course is presented. Its strengths and associated challenges are briefly highlighted, and some suggestions are provided for the adoption of such approaches.

• Editorialpp 21-24Hubbe, M. A. (2025). "Nanocellulose addition to paper and the ‘Cai Lun Principle’ – Maybe not such a good idea after all," BioResources 20(1), 21–24.AbstractArticlePDF

  Family groups in the ancient cultures of China, Korea, and Japan have toiled for generations in an effort to out-compete their neighbors in the pursuit of handmade paper products having better strength performance, in addition to flatness, uniform appearance, and other desirable attributes. Study of the history of the papermaking craft reveals a remarkable ability of ancient peoples to discover advantageous ways to prepare the cellulosic pulp, to improve its brightness, and to form uniform and strong paper sheets. But though the ancients knew how to “beat” the pulp to improve its bonding ability, there is no evidence of any of them having attempted to greatly “over-beat” some of the fiber, thus making nanocellulose, for potential addition to the fiber mixture. Why not? In this editorial, it is proposed that the ancients may have discovered that adding very highly fibrillated cellulose material to paper was not a good idea.

• Editorialpp 6961–6963Wang, J. (2024). “Machine learning applications in biomass supply chain management and optimization,” BioResources, 19(4), 6961–6963.AbstractArticlePDF

  Forest and biomass resource utilization for bioenergy and bioproducts is crucial for mitigating climate change and promoting a sustainable bioeconomy. Given that the biomass supply chain is a complex system, one of the most concerning issues is selecting and using appropriate modeling and analytical technologies to optimize the advantages of multi-feedstock biomass supply chains. Machine learning (ML) can enhance biomass supply chain management (BSCM) efficiency and sustainability. It can address the complexities in cultivation, harvesting, preprocessing, storage, transportation, and conversion. ML workflows involve data collection, preprocessing, model training, and optimization, using algorithms for prediction and decision-making. Accurate supply and demand forecasting via ML improves production planning and inventory management. Despite its potential, ML applications in BSCM need to deal with challenges such as data availability and quality, interpretability of models, and their generalization capabilities. Overcoming such challenges requires interdisciplinary efforts in data management and model development to fully leverage ML’s applicability.

   

• Editorialpp 6964–6966Nikinmaa, M., Pal, L., and Hubbe, M. A. (2024). "Sustainability as a driver in US and EU in paper and nonwoven sectors," BioResources 19(4), 6964–6966.AbstractArticlePDF

  The US and the EU have adopted contrasting pathways in their pursuit of increased sustainability. This editorial highlights such contrasts with respect to paper and nonwovens products. The American way, at least at the federal level, depends on consumer input, which can have an impact on corporate decisions and practices. Progress with respect to sustainability in the European Union has a higher reliance upon regulations. Each approach has merits as well as deficiencies. A regulation-dependent approach sometimes just moves problems to other parts of the world. A consumer-driven approach does not have a good way to deal with a need for systematic change, such as systems to recycle textile and nonwoven materials. It follows that a combined approach, involving both consumer demand and regulations, can be recommended as a most effective path forward. In addition, applications of artificial intelligence have potential to reconcile societal needs with future industrial practices.

• Editorialpp 6967–6969Tofani, G., Jasiukaitytė-Grojzdek, E., and Likozar, B. (2024). "Lignin data bank: A key to clarifying aromatic structure–performance relationships," BioResources 19(4), 6967–6969.AbstractArticlePDF

  Lignin, a subject of extensive study in academies and industries, is known for its natural abundance, biodegradability, and potential to be transformed into biochemicals and biomaterials. However, the original biomass and extraction treatments, such as kraft pulping and the organosolv process, significantly influence its chemical structure, leading to variations in reactivity. Unfortunately, many scientific publications fail to provide comprehensive lignin property descriptions, which hampers experiment reproducibility and literature comparison. This, in turn, hinders fundamental studies and scientific advancements. This editorial aims to address this issue by advocating for including lignin characteristics in scientific papers when possible.

• Editorialpp 6970–6974Dalkilic, B., Durmaz, E., Oncul, B., and Candan, Z. (2024). "Nanosensors based on lignocellulosic materials," BioResources 19(4), 6970–6974.AbstractArticlePDF

  In recent years, lignocellulosic materials have become regarded as attractive and noteworthy natural resources owing to their renewability, recyclability, easy processability, abundance, biodegradability, and low cost. The developments in nanotechnology have opened new doors in the field of bio-based nanosensor technology, which is utilized in electronics, optical products, communication, automotive, packaging, tissue engineering, biomedical, textile, etc. This paper mainly focuses on the usage of lignocellulosic materials in nanosensors.

• Editorialpp 6975–6978Stanciu, M.-C., Bercu, E., and Teaca, C.-A. (2024). "When trees become art – wood carving in Romania," BioResources 19(4), 6975–6978.AbstractArticlePDF

  Trees represent a cherished treasure for each nation. They provide a living, soulful, and earthly material, wood, which most often survives millennia and embellishes our everyday life. Wood can be transformed into valuable pieces of art under skilled hands and tools through carving. In Romania, wood is omnipresent in each milepost of people’s life journey from birth to death. It becomes a true and empathic companion of both happy and sad events. Wood teaches us to focus on the present moment and to let go of stressful thoughts and feelings. It is a real valuable “good” in our life.

• Editorialpp 6979–6982Hubbe, M. A., and Madappa, K. (2024). "Contemporary papermaking in the tradition of Mahatma Gandhi," BioResources 19(4), 6979–6982.AbstractArticlePDF

  This editorial draws a parallel between important papermaking innovations that were implemented by Mahatma Gandhi and some more recent ventures in papermaking in India. Both of these examples share common themes of fostering the skills of local people, using local resources, and contributing to a better future. A key insight is the scaling of the equipment to be well matched with the size of the production team and enabling a broad range of product grades. The case study considered introduces a modern twist – using papermaking to achieve circularity in the production of textiles. As in the early days of European papermaking, once again waste textile products are serving as the primary source of material.

• Editorialpp 4040-4042Lan, K. (2024). “Some modeling challenges in dynamic life cycle assessment,” BioResources 19(3), 4040-4042.AbstractArticlePDF

  Life cycle assessment (LCA) has been a mainstream tool to evaluate the environmental impacts of products, services, and systems. Current LCAs inherently rely on the static basis and commonly fail to include temporal considerations. To better assist in the decision-making for sustainable development, dynamic LCA has been initiated to answer more complex and interdisciplinary questions. As in its initial phase, dynamic LCA faces many modeling challenges that at the same time are meaningful research opportunities. In modeling dynamic LCA, there are several key aspects that need more attention for contribution and close collaboration across the first three phases of the LCA framework.

• Editorialpp 4043-4046Zhang, J., and Pal, L. (2024). “Paper drinking straws coated with cellulose acetate and polyhydroxyalkanoates via an entropy-driven approach and natural colorants as alternatives for plastic drinking straws,” BioResources 19(3), 4043-4046.AbstractArticlePDF

  As a way to reduce microplastics or nano-plastics in the ocean, it is of interest to develop biodegradable paper-based drinking straws to replace  non-degradable plastic drinking straws. Primary questions to be addressed include how to design suitable coatings for paper drinking straws. Such coatings not only need to resist water. In addition, consumers have high expectations for the strength of a drinking straw. It is proposed here to replace non-biodegradable polypropylene, which is presently the main component of straws, with biodegradable and hydrophobic coating components via an entropy-driven approach. It is further proposed to develop colored paper-based drinking straws with cellulose nematic liquid crystal photonic pigments as a way to make the product stand out visibly, while at the same time mediating the usage of toxic chemical pigments.

• Editorialpp 4047-4049Zhang, S., Zhang, Q., Guo, X., and Zhu, S. (2024). “Kudzu: An invasive plant or a sustainable resource,” BioResources 19(3), 4047-4049.AbstractArticlePDF

  Kudzu (Pueraria lobata (Willd.) Ohwi) is a fast growing leguminous vine plant that has strong reproductive ability and low requirements on its growing conditions. It has been considered an invasive plant in some places because of its aggressive growth, which can destroy the habitat for native plants and animals. However, its strong environmental adaptability makes it easily cultivated as a sustainable resource. Kudzu can also keep soil from washing away and play an important role in ecological protection. Kudzu has had numerous practical uses in our daily lives since ancient times. For example, its root, stem, flower and pod are used in traditional Chinese medicine. Its root is a healthy food. And its leaf is used as fodder and forage for livestock. Moreover, some recent studies on kudzu have found that it is in rich of bioactive ingredients, especially isoflavones, which further broadens its uses in medicine, healthy food, and cosmetics industries. Its high starch and cellulose content makes it a promising feedstock for biofuel production and paper preparation. This editorial will give a brief discussion on kudzu and its comprehensive utilization.

• Editorialpp 4050-4052Yuan, Z. (2024). “Graphene-cellulose hydrogels: An apt combination,” BioResources 19(3), 4050-4052.AbstractArticlePDF

  Graphene-cellulose hydrogels have been extensively studied in the field of functional hydrogels. This editorial presents an overview of graphene-based and cellulose-derived materials, highlighting the unique characteristics of these two materials and the synergistic advantages achieved by combining them to construct graphene-cellulose composite hydrogels. The aim is to provide novel insights for developing functional cellulose-based hydrogels enabled by carbon nanomaterials.

• Editorialpp 4053-4055Hubbe, M. A. (2024). “Artists, papermakers, and the future,” BioResources 19(3), 4053-4055.AbstractArticlePDF

  This editorial considers three groups of individuals and how they often find themselves following common ways of thinking. Artists, especially those who become well known, are hard workers and somewhat stubborn. Once they have found a type of paper that works well for them, they tend to develop loyalty to it, regardless of what the label on the ream wrap may say. Papermakers, ancient and modern, likewise have tended to stick with practices that are convenient to them at the moment, whether or not they contribute to archival quality. Fortunately, the transition to alkaline papermaking practices means that modern printing papers tend to last a lot longer. Increasing knowledge of the importance of acid-free paper, as well as the principles of sustainability, are making positive contributions to our ongoing cultural heritage, at least to the part of that heritage that is related to cellulosic materials.